When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. We will monitor your retention phase for 12 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
When brushing be extra careful to clean the wire and the inside of your teeth. Floss daily and use a floss threader between the retainer wire and the gums.
Although your fixed retainer is very strong, you must avoid biting into hard or chewy foods such as bagels and taffy. A fee is charged to repair or replace the retainers.
You will be given the option to customize your retainers at Pearland Orthodontics.
Instructions
Your upper and lower retainers are removable appliances designed to maintain and stabilize your teeth in their corrected positions.
Wear:
- Your retainers will work only if they are worn in your mouth at all time, day and night, 24 hours a day (unless otherwise instructed). If you do not wear your retainers, your teeth will shift back toward their original positions.
- The only time you should remove your retainers is when you:
- Eat
- Brush your teeth
- Play contact sports
- Swim
Care:
- Clean your retainers by brushing them with toothpaste when you brush your teeth.
- Soak them once a day (preferably in the morning after wearing them all night) in Listerine or any mouthwash for 10-15 minutes.
- When your retainers are not in your mouth, they should be kept in the retainer box that is given to you. They should not be wrapped in a napkin or put in your pocket or purse. They usually get thrown away or broken that way.
- Keep your retainers away from: pets, direct sunlight, and heat (washer and dryer, car, microwave, etc.) they will melt and wrap which will cause them not to fit.
- PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR RETAINERS TO EACH APPOINTMENT.